Top Ten Chicago Summer Festivals

The Chicago Blues Fest is a three day event that takes place on more than six stages with over 600,000 attendees. This event proves that Chicago is indeed the Blues Capital of the World, past performers include B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Ray Charles. To top it off, this festival is completely free! It takes place 11:00 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. in Grant Park from June 12th to June 14th. For more information visit: http://www.chicagofestivals.net/category/city-of-chicago-festivals/blues-festival

Old Town Art Fair

This year is the 60th annual Old Town Art Fair; it's one of the oldest outdoor juried art fairs in the country. As the name implies, the art fair takes place on the historic streets of Old Town, featuring 260 exhibitors, a stage, a children's corner, a food court, garden tour, and more. It only costs $7 and it takes place between 10 A.M. and 6 P.M. on June 13th and 14th. For more information visit: http://www.oldtowntriangle.com/

African/ Caribbean International Festival of Life

This festival takes place on Independence Day weekend (Jul 3 - Jul 5) in Washington Park and it features over one hundred international and local acts performed on two stages. There will be over 200 exhibitors will be on display, and even a "chi-town" idol competition. For more information visit:http://www.martinsinterculture.com/ifol.php

Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza is one of the most anticipated music and lifestyle festivals of the year. Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Daft punk, Kanye West, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Ben Harper are among the well respected entertainers that have performed at Lollapalooza in the past. For ticketing information and this years lineup visit: http://www.lollapalooza.com/ In addition, Lollapalooza features Chicago's favorite foods, a Kidzapalooza stage for children, an interactive green area and more. A percentage of the event proceeds goes to Chicago's Parkways Foundation, and organization that funds park projects in Chicago's neighborhoods.

Viva Chicago Festival

This two day event is a Latin music festival that showcases talent from many performers, and many are Grammy award winners or nominees. The types of music that will be featured include: salsa, reggae-ton, mariachi, Spanish pop and more. There will also be an assortment of fresh Latin foods. This event is free, and takes place in Grant Park from 10:30 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. on August 29th and 30th.

McDonald's Chinatown Street Fair

This is a neighborhood festival that celebrates Asian culture by entertainment, live music, and a taste of Chinatown's exquisite restaurants, a Chinese art's and craft exhibit, a children's area with a petting zoo, and more. This is a one day event that takes place in Chinatown on July 19th from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Hideout Block Party

This well respected block party takes place at the Hideout, a live music club, every September, it's a great way to end summer. The Hideout is located along the North Branch of the Chicago River on Wabansia St. For more information visit: http://www.hideoutchicago.com/

Chicago Air & Water Show

This two day event is filled with daredevil thrills in the air and water, and it takes the title of "the largest, longest, and oldest spectator event in North America". It debuted in 1959 as a Family Day Celebration, and now audience numbers have grown to 2.2 million annually. The show takes place on Chicago's lake-front on August 15 & 16. The Water Show starts at 9 A.M. and the air show starts at 11 A.M. The exact address is 1600 lake shore drive.

The Taste of Chicago

If you love eating authentic food, you will absolutely love the Taste of Chicago. It's a food festival that features food from over 70 restaurants. There is plenty of free entertainment from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Bonnie Raitt at the Petrillo Music Shell while and after you eat. There are activities, entertainment, and amusement for kids too. There is just so much to do at this 4 day event, I am positive you will enjoy it. You can stop by anywhere from June 26 - July 5. It opens at 11:00 A.M. and closes at 9:00 P.M., however on July 3rd and 4th it closes at 9:30 P.M. and on the final day, July 5th, it closes at 6 P.M.

Wicker Park Summer Festival

This Summer Festival takes place on Damen ave on July 25th and 26th. It features live music, local cuisine and art. It only costs $5 and your donation benefits the Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce. For additional information please visit: http://www.wickerparkbucktown.com/play/summer_fest/